Founder Marcellis Counts wearing a white baseball cap and a dark green shirt with a beige collar, against a brick wall background.

Meet the Founder

This work has given me a true sense of purpose, even helping me overcome various hurdles in my own life. I am fortunate to be in a position where I recognize not only the problems, but viable paths to real solutions. I am even more grateful that I have had the opportunity to be a leader in a movement that reminds us of God’s original purpose for us.

I am moved by the challenges facing our communities, and I am inspired by the possibility of creating better conditions for future generations. I try to cherish every moment, even the difficult ones that test me in ways that force me to grow. I believe the love we share from family, friends and neighbors is worth fighting for and how beautiful is it that every day we have a chance to actualize that love in the form of service to others.

I started this company at a time when I felt helpless. I decided to no longer let the world tell me who I was, but to determine my own destiny. I’m grateful I made that choice, and I look forward to all that we will build, restore, and transform together.

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Quality

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Trust

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Altruism

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Respect

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Vitality

✳︎ Quality ✳︎ Trust ✳︎ Altruism ✳︎ Respect ✳︎ Vitality

Founder Marcellis Counts standing behind a table with various jars, a teapot, magazines, and a bouquet of flowers vending at a food and networking event!
Marcellis working with BeeU NYC students in protective suits examining a honeycomb with bees outdoors.
Founder Marcellis Counts wearing a beekeeper suit, gloves, and a protective hat with a veil, examining honeycomb frames from a beehive box outdoors against a brick wall.
Three people working on a scientific experiment with a large transparent honey extractor at the BEE U graduation
Founder, Marcellis Counts demonstrating planting or pruning a shrub to a group of children in a garden.

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Regenerative Ag

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Nature Programs

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Food Sovereignty

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Hive&Honey Tours

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Public Health

✳︎ Regenerative Ag ✳︎ Nature Programs ✳︎ Food Sovereignty ✳︎ Hive&Honey Tours ✳︎ Public Health

Birth of Apian Industry

What began as a passion project has evolved into something much greater. We are proud of how far we have come and even more excited about what lies ahead. What sets us apart is not only what we create, but the intention behind it. We take the time to understand, explore, and build with purpose at every stage of the process.

Born to the name “Arkhive” (Newark + Hive), this was the idea that sparked the journey. After we discovered that name was not available, we fortunately came up with the timeless title of “Apiary in the Sky”. A name that captured our vision of bringing beekeeping, agriculture, and environmental education into urban spaces.

Five years later, we evolved once more into Apian Industry. Derived from the word apian, meaning “relating to bees,” the name reflects both our origins and our broader commitment to agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community-centered development.

Supported by a growing ecosystem of farmers, beekeepers and industry professionals- Apian is establishing itself as a trusted voice in climate resilience, land justice, and the future of local food systems.